The US midterms: A simple guide to the vote shaping Trump's presidency

What voters will decide

On 3 November, voters will elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives, whose members serve two-year terms. The House is the lower chamber of Congress, where proposed laws are commonly introduced and debated.

The Senate, the upper chamber, is also in play, though not every seat is competitive. Republicans have 53 seats; Democrats would need to win 51 to take control, accounting for the vice-president’s tie-breaking vote if the chamber were split 50-50.

Issues shaping the campaign

The US economy is a concern for voters facing the cost of fuel, groceries, housing and healthcare. Democrats say Trump’s trade tariffs have also raised prices for Americans.

A contest with wider stakes

Congress is one of the three branches of government, alongside the presidency and the judiciary. Its control matters because Congress shapes legislation, and voters have often turned against the president’s party in midterm elections.

The outcome is less predictable this year amid a dispute between the parties over how House voting districts are drawn. State-level races will also take place across much of the country, including closely watched governor contests in California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan.

What the results could mean

If Democrats win either chamber, Trump could find it difficult to pass laws through Congress. Democratic control would also let committees investigate parts of his presidency, including corruption allegations, the new White House ballroom and ICE tactics.

If Republicans retain control, Trump can continue pursuing his plans for the rest of his time in office. His name is not on the ballot, although he has urged Republicans to treat their votes as an endorsement of his actions; he cannot run for president a third time, and speculation about the 2028 nominees is expected to grow after the midterms.